Berea Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Berea Reservoir Dam, also known as Silver Creek Lake, is a vital water supply infrastructure located in Madison, Kentucky.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this dam on the East Fork Silver Creek was completed in 1940 and stands at a height of 36 feet with a length of 430 feet. The dam's primary purpose is water supply, with a storage capacity of 99.5 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 82.1 acre-feet, serving the community's water needs.
Managed and regulated by the KY Division of Water, Berea Reservoir Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Although the dam's condition assessment is not rated, regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite lacking certain details like outlet gates and construction funding sources, this earth dam plays a crucial role in providing water security to the area, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintaining our water resources in the face of changing climatic conditions.
With its historical significance and ongoing role in water supply management, Berea Reservoir Dam serves as a key landmark in the Louisville District. While it may not have major modifications or emergency action plans in place, the dam's presence on the East Fork Silver Creek underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need for proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies in the face of potential climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FORK SILVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
99.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Berea Reservoir Dam